Tag Archives: Genderqueer Chicago

I have spent the past four days in Chicago. After four months and sixteen days away, it was fabulous beyond words to be back. It felt so right. As I started recognizing buildings and street names, it felt a little like coming home. I’m not sure I’d realized how much I miss the city of Chicago, not just the people I love within it.

I lived in Chicago for about nine months — not really all that long a time — and yet it has made such an impact on my life. When people ask me where I’m from, I’ll generally tell them that I’m currently living in the eastern suburbs (of the Twin Cities) but that I spent most of the past year in Chicago (if it seems relevant, I’ll add that I’m originally from the Twin Cities, but I went out east to college near Philly). For whatever reason, Chicago has really captured my heart in a way I never expected. Continue reading →

After being in Minnesota for nineteen meetings, I was finally able to be at a Genderqueer Chicago meeting last night, and it made me so ecstatic that I could barely contain myself. So many sparkle fingers. I just kept repeating how happy I was to be there, to be with everyone — to finally be back. I also realized how much being at the meeting helps me to clarify my thoughts about the topics (and to introduce new ideas). Continue reading →

Whether you’re meeting a group of people for the first time, spending time with relatives, or hanging out with friends you’ve known for years, being a genderfunny person can create some social obstacles. In what kinds of spaces do you deal with social anxiety?

Genderqueer Chicago always has fantastic topics. I’m always impressed by how creative and yet relevant they are — especially since I’ve facilitated discussion groups before, and I know how it difficult it can be to think of a decent topic of conversation. Being “genderfunny,” as GqC calls it, can make things difficult, particularly when I’m not in the company of other genderfunny people. Continue reading →

I was sitting on the beach, looking out over the water when a very curious and ridiculously adorable young person peeked out over the side of the bench.
“How come youre dressed like that? BOYS are supposed to wear ties and vests”
I smiled.
“Well, sometimes people are more than just boys or girls.” I replied.
Suddenly this little creature staring up at me got very serious. Eyes wide and lips trembling, it formed a question…
“Like faeries?” it held its breath
And this is it, this was the moment when everything clicked for both of us. I reached down to the pouch on my belt. I grabbed a pinch of my glitter and i leaned down…
“Exactly like faeries.” A wink and a blow.

No, I’m not referring to the TV show. I’m actually talking about a group I recently joined here, Genderqueer Chicago. I’ve only been to two meetings, but it is changing my life. I know that sounds incredibly hyperbolic and melodramatic, but I’m actually serious. Continue reading →

Genderqueer Chicago (GqC) is actually one of the reasons why I moved to Chicago in the first place — I’d found their blog last spring, and the prospect of being involved with such a group was incredibly exciting. And now, they’re one of the biggest reasons why I am having such a hard time with the idea of leaving Chicago. Today is my last Genderqueer Chicago meeting. Continue reading →